5dmk III or Sony A99 or GH3 or...

J

Johnny B

Member
Hey all.

I'm looking to upgrade from my 5Dmk II for the same common reasons that most where awaiting a replacement. Whichever camera I choose will be used for video in manual focus. Primarily weddings for now but with the goal of filming short films down the road. That being said, after a bit of research, unless anyone has any other suggestions in this price range, It's between the 5D mark III or the Sony A99, with a bit of intrigue towards the GH3. Does the smaller m4/3 sensor in the GH3 give it a huge difference in look compared to the full frame options? One other note is that I'm already invested in Canon Lens' and I don't see myself going any other route as i like canon lens and their huge selection. So that being said, which camera is everyone preferring and why? Which has more bang for buck in features and will they all work with my Canon EF lens' even with an adapter and would their be light loss with any lens mount adapters. Also lets not forget image quality and low light performance in terms of wedding/event coverage. Lastly, in terms of manual focus and video, should i be interested in the Sony NEX VG line with their camcorder form factor, infinite recording time and any other features they may have. Any suggestions on potential cameras I may have overlooked is welcomed. Thanks for any input. Its much appreciated.

Johnny
 
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Im definitely invested in canon glass but I figured there would be lens mount adapters to solve this problem if I decided to switch to a different camera. I honestly wouldn't be opposed to switching to Sony glass in the case that I went for the A99, its just that I'm not sure if Sony has a lot of glass options for my needs yet. In terms of being comfortable with the 5dmk ii, I have no issue with easily getting comfortable/accustomed to a new camera as long as its a better camera for the money. I should probably note some of the features that the A99 has me interested in over the 5dmk III. First, the flip out lcd. Please let me know if I'm overhyping this but i love the idea and versatility of having that flip out swivel lcd screen for any kind of positioning with the camera. Now i believe the Sony A99 lcd is smaller than the Mark III but is it that big of a difference and is that a deal breaker for anyone? Second, focusing assist features on the A99 like peaking. Sorry if im misunderstood in any way but i don't believe the mark III has peaking. Not sure of the GH3. Lastly, image quality, DR, and low light performance. I don't know if the A99 beats out the Mark III in these categories but I'm hoping someone can share some thoughts.

EDITED: After a bit more research, I found that their is actually plenty of Sony brand Alpha lens options for weddings.
 
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A99 loses to the 5dmarkIII and D800 in image quality. It is worse in lowlight with a very soft and aliased image. I would not personally recommend it over the 5dmarkIII.
 
Ya thats the same conclusion I've come to now. But I'm having a really hard time choosing between the 5d Mark III or the GH3. GH3 has infinite recording time, peaking, a much sharper image and much cheaper. The MK III has full frame and has excellent low light. As of now I'm leaning more towards the 5d mkIII. BUT am looking into the VG900 in hopes that it has better image quality and less moire/aliasing than the A99.
 
I love my a99. I haven't had any issues with softness at all. moire isn't the greatest, but I am very happy with the low-light ability. It cuts super well with the fs100 when shot flat.
 
Johnny B said:
Ya thats the same conclusion I've come to now. But I'm having a really hard time choosing between the 5d Mark III or the GH3. GH3 has infinite recording time, peaking, a much sharper image and much cheaper. The MK III has full frame and has excellent low light. As of now I'm leaning more towards the 5d mkIII. BUT am looking into the VG900 in hopes that it has better image quality and less moire/aliasing than the A99.
Click to expand...

Pardon me but how did you activate peaking on gh3? I searched through the menu and couldn't find.
Thanks
 
Sorry if Im misunderstood. I've been looking at so many different cameras and their specs that its all blurring together lol. Maybe the GH3 doesn't have peaking? Thats a bummer.
 
I'm a m43 user (GH2 & AF100), but if you already have the lenses (and batteries, and other accessories) and can live with limited record times, I'd say stick with Canon.

Darkhorse option is a Sony EA50 or used Sony FS100 with a Metabones EF adapter and/or SpeedBooster EF adapter... if you're going to upgrade, may as well make it a serious upgrade.
 
Im more than likely going with the 5D Mark III as many have suggested, but can anyone tell me which has the better image quality straight out of the camera between the A99 and the pre sharpened 5DmkIII image? And what are the results after the mark III image has been sharpened?
 
Ya I've seen his great review and I completely agree that the post sharpened images are nice and its part of the reasons why i am leaning towards the 5dmkiii but I just would like to know how the A99 compares to the image pre sharpened and post sharpened. Because if the a99 image is just as good then i would really consider going a99 and dealing with the moire and aliasing simply cuz of all the other features it offers. One last thing that probably kills the A99 for me. Do i lose stops of light due to its translucent mirror? If so would that mean that say my 70-200mm 2.8 wouldn't really be giving me a 2.8 anymore? I shoot primarily weddings and i need as best low light performance that i can get out of my lens. Thats why i paid the money for them. So if the A99 negates that then its a no no. That being another plus for the 5D mkIII, it has greatly improved low light/noise performance. Lol selling myself on the mark III evenmore lol
 
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I'd just go with the Canon...you do lose light with the translucent mirror. I was pondering an A57, but that camera isn't as good in low light as the NEX5N/R because of the mirror. The 5DMK3 also has a lot more reasonable lens options, either through 2nd party vendors or through Canon. The BIGGEST reason I'd go for the 5DMK3 is that you are shooting weddings.....if you are doing video, you can't really ask a guest to change their shirt because you have moire/aliasing going on. The only other DSLRs with very reduced moire/aliasing issues are the new Nikon D5200/perhaps D7100 and the Panasonic GH2...GH3 seems to have a bit more of it than the GH2.
The Canon will give you a clean image, great low light, and excellent photographs.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone. Looks like its the 5D Mark III for me. For now at least. Thanks again all. Any other insight on the topic is welcomed.
 
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